Having grown up my whole life in Southern California, it is incredibly easy to get caught up in the belief that “if I just had more money, I would be happier..”

But for me, once I had children I wanted to instill in them that happiness comes from within and not from money, fame, status and material things.

Some days I get so frustrated hearing about how certain celebrities, rock stars or famous athletes took a trip here or bought this or that. From personal experience I can tell you that money has not brought any of my friends anything other than divorce, addiction, etc. Sometimes I just want to pack up my husband and my kids and move away to someplace where life is simpler.

Nadine Hays Pisani starts out the book telling us about her life and her job and some of the hilarious hazards that come from being a chiropractor (such as having patients pass gas on you regularly).

Nadine and her husband are both burned out at their jobs and miserable, so after a lot of discussion and research they decide to pack up and move to Costa Rica.

There are numerous adventures that take place and an assemblage of colorful characters. Warning: do not read this book anywhere where it would be inappropriate to burst out laughing.

Nadine writing is witty and lighthearted and I loved the fact that she never takes herself (or much of anything else) too seriously.

Happier than a billionaire was actually converted from her blogs. Her descriptions of the locales that she visits are enough to make you yearn to hop up and take a trip and her advice and go live an uncomplicated life. Her big message; live in the moment!

Even if I am not able to make such a huge change in my life, I appreciate being reminded that money has nothing to do with happiness.

Have you read Happier than a billionaire quitting my job, moving to Costa Rica, and living the zero hour work week? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.